LOVE ACTUALLY (2003) / *** 1/2
Directed by Richard Curtis, from his screenplay. Starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson. Running time: 134 minutes. Rated AA by the MFCB. Reviewed on November 24th, 2003, actually.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: The Prime Minister (Grant) falls for one of his staff (Martine McCutcheon). An editor (Alan Rickman) is torn between his comely secretary (Heike Makatsch) and his wife (Thompson). A widower (Neeson) must help his stepson (Thomas Sangster) cope with the first pangs of love. An optimistic waiter (Kris Marshall) heads to the States in search of romance. An aging rocker (Bill Nighy) attempts a misguided comeback. These stories and more intertwine in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Review: If you can't stand a healthy dose of schmaltz in your movies, run -- don't walk -- in exactly the opposite direction from the nearest theatre playing "Love Actually". But for those of us who can appreciate a little romantic corniness -- especially during the holiday season, and as long as it's done well -- "Love Actually" is outstanding entertainment. Curtis, adeptly juggling numerous subplots, hits a remarkable balance between the sappiness we expect from the genre and the harsh realities of life. So not every story has a happy ending: for every newly kindled romance, there's a relationship which ends in disappointment or mistrust, and much of the fun is in finding out which is which. Of course, this would not be nearly so interesting had Curtis not assembled such a terrific cast, who slip effortlessly into roles we instantly understand and can sympathise with. None of the actors disappoint, but those who are particularly praiseworthy include Grant, whose comic timing has never been more perfect; Neeson and Sangster in a truly heartfelt storyline; and Thompson and Rickman, whose marital turmoil is as heartrending as it is seemingly inexorable. Kudos must also go to Nighy and Marshall, whose oddball storylines are nonetheless utterly hilarious. If you like this sort of thing -- and I do -- "Love Actually" is terrific. Actually.
Copyright © 2003 Shannon Patrick Sullivan. Archived at The Popcorn Gallery, http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sps/movies.html
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